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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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FDA OKs Pioneering Stem Cell Trial

First-ever test of therapy on spinal cord injuries hailed as milestone

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(Newser) – The FDA has approved the world's first-ever human trial of a medical treatment using embryonic stem cells, the New York Times reports. The move is being hailed as a watershed moment for medical research. Biotech company Geron plans to inject the cells—which can turn into any type of cell in the body—into people with new, severe spinal cord injuries in an attempt to repair some of the damage.

The trial isn't expected to yield miraculous results, Geron's chief executive cautioned, but is intended to test the therapy's safety. Regulators deny that the decision has anything to do with the change in administration, although Barack Obama has signaled that he is willing to overturn Bush administration policies that banned federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.

Late actor Christopher Reeve was a firm advocate for stem cell research.
Late actor Christopher Reeve was a firm advocate for stem cell research.   (AP Photo/Gary Sussman )
Embryonic stem cells can develop into any cell in the human body.
Embryonic stem cells can develop into any cell in the human body.   (Shutter Stock)
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This is the dawn of a new era in medical therapeutics. - Thomas B. Okarma, chief executive of Geron Corp.

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riffran
Jan 23, 09 3:15 AM CST
If it works ......THAT would be cool....I have dealt with spinal cord injuries for most of my nursing career, Those people really suffer with the long term effects....cross your fingers folks Reply
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christine_m
Jan 23, 09 10:45 AM CST
It would be a wonderful advancement it it works. My fingers are crossed, riffran! Reply
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